The following blog post answers the common query on how to get to Essaouira from Marrakech along with the transportation options.

Essaouira has a strategic position on the Atlantic coast, which is why it has been an important commercial port since the 15th century. Throughout the centuries, different populations and cultures have coexisted in harmony, creating a city with a uniquely multicultural environment. In addition to that, the city’s monuments give it a charm that cannot be found anywhere else in Morocco.

Essaouira promises its visitors international events, historical mosques, beaches, and markets, hence visiting Essaouira ensures an unforgettable trip.

We will guide you in this article on how to reach Essaouira from Marrakech. What is the distance between Marrakech and Essaouira? And which transportation options are available. Whether by bus or by car, enjoy the landscape for unique and unforgettable moments.

How to Get to Essaouira from Marrakech by Taxi?

If you are looking for a taxi/driver to go to Essaouira from Marrakech, you should know that it will cost you in general about 1000 Moroccan dirhams (100€), but keep in mind that you can negotiate a good price and get the ride for 800 Moroccan Dirhams (80€). The distance between the two cities is about 180 Km and the journey time is around 3 hours, plus whether you are 1 or 4 in the vehicle, you will have to pay the same amount. We advise you to choose this transport option if you are in a group of two people or more, but if you’re traveling by yourself there are more economical options.

Get from Marrakech to Essaouira by Bus

Several companies (CTM, Supratours, or public buses) offer trips to Essaouira, for a rate of about 80 Moroccan Dirhams 8€, and the trip takes usually around 3 hours and 30 minutes.

The two reliable companies CTM and Supratours offer good quality buses and a comfortable experience to enjoy your 3-hour trip.

1. Supratours is a branch of the ONCF Group, operating long-distance bus lines in Morocco. The company operates around the city of Marrakech and offers good-quality trips. In addition to that, Supratours buses will take you directly to the center of Essaouira, so no extra charges are needed.

In the new train station of Marrakech, there is a Supratours counter that sells tickets. It is advised to book your tickets in advance at the ticket office.  The buses are clean and air-conditioned. They leave Marrakech at 8:30 am – 10:30 am – 2:30 pm – 5 pm – 7 pm and then return from Essaouira to Marrakech at 6 am – 12 pm – 4 pm – 6:30 pm. The journey takes about 3 hours with a 15-minute stop on the way (After 2 hours of travel, the bus from Marrakech to Essaouira stops for 15-20 minutes in a store, note that the snacks there may be overpriced), and you can also book your tickets online via the ONCF-Voyages website.

2. Your second option is CTM, this transport company offers comfortable, easy to access, cheap and very safe buses. CTM buses’ arrival location is outside the city and a cab to the medina is required, so additional charges are added (15-20 Moroccan Dirhams/2€).

To book your ticket, head over to the CTM official website, type your departure and arrival location, and run a search. Everything should be clear but if you face any difficulties reach out to their customer support, they usually answer within a few hours.

• There are also public buses, their departure is from the Bab Doukkala bus station, they are less expensive but much slower because they stop for food and toilets, so the trip can be extended for an additional 30 minutes to 40 minutes.

Generally, the buses offer a comfortable experience and you can meet new people along the way, and get recommendations from the locals.

Get from Marrakech to Essaouira by renting a car

If you want to rent a car in Marrakech to go to Essaouira, know that it is necessary to count 200 Moroccan Dirhams (20€)/day for a car rental in Morocco (Price may change depending on the car that you choose), but to be able to take it in Marrakech and to deposit it in Essaouira, the one-day price will be 900 Moroccan dirhams/90€.

This is a comfortable option if you are planning a one-day trip, since you can drive to all the locations that you want to visit, not worrying about any tickets or reservations.

Get from Marrakech to Essaouira with a travel agency

There are a lot of private travel agencies that will help you spend a wonderful day at the Medina on a full-day tour from Marrakech to Essaouira. You will share your ride to Essaouira with a small group of travelers. Your morning departure starts with a pickup from your hotel or any other location that you choose, followed by an attractive journey into the countryside. Then they will set you out for a walking tour of the city’s best places and free time to explore on your own and buy some gifts.

The price varies from 250 Moroccan dirhams to 1000 Moroccan dirhams (25€-100€), depending on the type of activities that you want to experience, they offer Argan forest and waterfalls guided tours, quad biking, horse or camel rides, surf trips, kitesurfing, and much more.

Some agencies may offer food, all entrance fees, or even hotels to stay in if you’re planning more than a 1-day trip.

Search the type of activities that you’re interested in on Google and you will find different types of agencies that you can choose from, with different options, prices, and all the information you need.

Additional information!

Certain conditions need to be considered: Masks are mandatory.

The social distance to be respected is 2 meters.

Follow COVID-19 safety rules.

Some flights from other countries may be subject to approval, testing, or quarantine.

Agencies tours may be canceled due to the current situation of the country.

Some hotels may be off-service, so always call the hotel reception to get information about the current circumstances and availability.